Pennsylvania Provides Additional Funding For Anti-Overdose Drug

The state of Pennsylvania is committing additional funding towards getting an important overdose recovery drug in the hands of those trying to save lives.

As part of the 2017-18 state budget, the money has allowed for the assembly of over 60,000 naloxone kits available to applicants anywhere in the state over a two-year period. Each kit contains two, 4-milligram doses of the overdose reversal drug.

“Based on Governor Wolf’s request and the legislature’s inclusion of $5 million in the approved budget, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) released a request for applications that makes the life-saving drug Naloxone available for first responders throughout Pennsylvania,” PCCD Chairman Charles Ramsey said.

Kits will be distributed using a formula that determines need based on factors including county population and county opioid overdose deaths.

According to Acting Secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Jennifer Smith, Naloxone can be the first step for many on the road to recovery.

“Naloxone is a crucial component in the journey to recovery for overdose survivors,” Smith said. “Rescuing an individual from a deadly situation is the necessary first step.”

One main point of contact for each county or region will be determined and that person or agency will be responsible for getting kits into the hands of emergency responders. Kits could be available as soon as next month.